The Cardinal Health Center centrally located in the Onaway school building has been providing health services for all students in the district since 2009.
Board of education president Sharon Lyon said it is one of the best things that has happened in the district.
“A few years back when all the area schools closed due to the flu epidemic, we didn't close. We were able to diagnose the kids right away and send them home, and we didn't have that massive spread of flu,” said Lyon.
“It is right in the building so kids have immediate access. We still take appointments and we get the parents involved right away. … The even do well-baby visits. They get to know the families and remind them of things that are needed. ...” said Lyon.
The federally qualified health center receives funding from the State of Michigan's Department of Community Health.
The center is under the auspices of Thunder Bay Community Health Services. Thunder Bay also offers health services in the communities of Hillman, Atlanta and Rogers City.
Registered nurse Kosrae Harman is the program manager at the Onaway center.
The range of services available covers primary care, acute issues, chronic disease management, medication administration, immunization and behavioral health (counseling.) She said students ages 5-21 in the district can use the center.
“If a student is hurt on the playground or in class, they just come in and we call their parents and advise the parents of what's going on medically,” said Harman.
Harman said the center gets a lot of use. “For last year, out of approximately 700 in the district, we saw over 500 unduplicated users (first-time users).”
She said the types of services rendered cover a wide variety and are relatively equally balanced.
There is a nurse practitioner, a registered nurse and a social worker on staff.
Harman said when students first enters the district, a health file is started with basic contact and medical background information. Then when a student makes their first visit to the center, the parent or guardian is immediately called for consultation.
Harman said grant funding is renewed each year through an application process. Quarterly and annual reports are filed to meet federal guidelines. The federal status requires that nobody be denied service. All forms of insurance are accepted, and staff will work on a sliding scale basis for those that don't have insurance or those who have limited funds. Also, staff can help persons work through the process to qualify for Medicaid.
“I really love it here. I like working with these kids. Thunder Bay has made a positive impact on our community as a whole. We provide services that these kids may not get when their parents are working and might not be able to make the drive to Cheboygan or Petoskey.” said Harman.